$350m Loan Approval Will Ensure Robust Future for Ogun, Amosun

The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has said that the 350 million dollars World Bank loan for state's Development Policy Operation (DPO), approved by the Senate yesterday, will be a means of  ensuring a robust and promising future for the state.

Amosun said the loan, contained in the 2016-2018 Rolling Plan and approved, following the presentation of a report by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, Senator Shehu Sani, will help fast track completion of developmental projects, proposed for the 2018 fiscal year.
He was speaking at the Treasury Board meeting on the state's 2018 Budget, at the Oba's complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, yesterday.
"Let me say that we must never rest on our oars. Much is expected of us, much is equally expected to be done, as we are unwaveringly committed to laying a lasting legacy for the good people 
of Ogun state. 
"I therefore charge stakeholders to cross fertilise  ideas, towards attaining the optimal growth and continued development, the good people of our dear state crave", Amosun added.
The 2018 budget, according to him, is very significant and exceptional, because, "it is the last full year budget during the tenure of his administration. 
"It is, therefore, critical for us to continue to deepen the collaboration and strengthen our budgetary processes, so as to bequeath an enduring 
legacy to the next administration.
"Therefore, I charge all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to be more thorough in your presentations and deliberations. I enjoin you to continue with a high sense of dependability and consistency, which has become the hallmark of the Ogun State Public Service, in considering the Advance Proposals and Draft Estimates for the 2018 Budget.
The governor however noted that without the institutionalisation of financial probity and accountability; improved component of public finance system; a regime of fiscal responsibility; prudent and efficient management of resources; a dependable and effective work force; and above all, transparency and good governance, all the achievements of the government will be a mirage.
"As we approach the twilight of our administration, we aim to finish strong, on a high, and ultimately finish well in our quest to rapidly develop our dear state"
Earlier in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Ms. Adenrele Adesina described the 2018 budget as a reflection of the budget of the last six years and the administration's desire for the state in the future. 
She urged heads of MDAs to sustain the teamwork spirit in order to achieve effective budget implementation.